Enhanced Music Experience for the Mobile Phone

The first mobile phone, first generation or 1G, released in 1983 by the Motorola Company dawned the age of the mobile phone. Although its original purpose was to make phone calls and phones portable; mobile phones have evolutionized to become a multifaceted electronic device since its birth in 1983. From navigating us to our next destination, to checking our emails, and even recording a homemade video, a mobile phone can now perform a vast array of tasks. Recently, mobile phones are being used as mini - portable speakers, giving consumers music where ever they are, as long as they have the mobile phone.

To aid and enhance the music experience, Logitech has released the Pure-Fi Mobile speaker system which connects to a mobile phone in two ways. The first is through Bluetooth; however, this can only be done with phones that support Advanced Audio Distribution Profile technology (A2DP). Phones that do not support A2DP can still use the Pure - Fi Mobile through an auxiliary or USB cable connection. However, the wireless Bluetooth connection allows phones to be as far as 33 feet from the speakers. The speakers are charged by a rechargeable battery. They will get an estimate of 12 hours per full charge.

The speakers will cost around $150 when Logitech releases the product.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10085871-1.html?tag=mncol;3n

http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/mobilephones.html

Will the Verizon iPhone Cripple Verizon?

If the consumer dream comes true and the iPhone comes to Verizon, it could lead to a crippling of the Verizon network the way the iPhone hurt AT&Ts network. According to Verizon, their network is built for reliability and AT&T claims that customers may be disappointed switching to Verizon for the iPhone. Since Verizon has been able to look at AT&Ts problems with the iPhone when it was released, it is expected that Verizon will be able to avoid the pitfalls and learn from the mistakes.

AT&T may lose many customers in the future. Some immediately, others after spectating and discovering whether Verizon can handle the iPhone better than AT&T. Those locked into contracts with AT&T will have to wait to decide whether to switch or not. More importantly, according to analyst Charles Golvin, customers will be lost from Sprint and T-Mobile. Many customers did not want to switch to AT&T but will make the transition to Verizon for the iPhone.

The hype around the Verizon iPhone is so rumored and spoken about that it is now in Verizon's best interest to live up to the consumer demand and be sure they get the iPhone. The deal would benefit Apple and Verizon, and also increase competition between AT&T and Verizon. Offering the iPhone from more than one provider would give Apple more sales and possibly lower prices for consumers if Verizon and AT&T lower the price of the phone and plans to beat each other. It seems almost inevitable that Verizon will eventually get the iPhone, and as I have blogged about in the past, it is only a question of when and how big of a splash it will make.

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/11/03/will-the-verizon-iphone-cripple-verizon/

Convenience and Multi-taking Trends

Throughout the consumer electronics industry, one of the most important trends that have been shaping the industry is the consumer demand for products that are very convenient, and can perform multiple tasks. Years ago, companies were making separate products for internet access and cellular phones. Although this serves as a smart business tactic for the company, consumers do not want to have to buy two different products, and have to carry both around. With the ever-growing trend of smartphones, many companies are attempting to combine a cell phone with anything from internet access, to GPS devises, to convenient email use. This idea clearly favors the consumer because they only need to buy one product for multiple purposes. However, the business receives positive consumer feedback, and begins to develop brand equity and loyalty.

This new trend has then largely affected the competitive landscape in the United States. Companies that simply specialized in one product that performs one specific job can no longer stay competitive. Sales for products such as a GPS have declined because of smart-phones like the iPhone or BlackBerry have “apps” that contain a GPS system. In today’s society, many consumers continue to demand products that are convenient; therefore, companies need to broaden their production to stay competitive.